Kalaw is a small hill town in the Shan State of Central Myanmar. This quiet destination is known to most Myanmar travellers as the starting point for the 3-day trek to Inle Lake, but there are so many more things to do in Kalaw that you’ll want to spend a more time exploring the town itself.

One day in Kalaw is enough to see the sights in town quite easily. On top of that, there are a couple of amazing restaurants and a market full of fresh food to eat and everyday items to explore.
Looking for what to do in Kalaw, Myanmar? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this quaint and quiet town.

 

History of Kalaw, Myanmar

Kalaw has been heavily influenced by the British during colonization and many examples remain today. Many buildings from the era still stand, some in better conditions than others. They aren’t hard to spot as you wander the quiet streets. This small town was originally a Colonial British Hill Station, and that is the reason for the presence of train tracks that are still in use to this day.

The modern culture of Kalaw is influenced by many factors. Various Hill Tribes reside in the area, including Palaungs, Danus minorities. There are also many Nepalese, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh people who were brought by the British to work on the railway construction, and remain in the town today. This gives Kalaw a unique and interesting cultural diversity.

 

Trekking in Kalaw

As is the same for most travellers to the area, my main reason for spending one day in Kalaw was the 3-day trek to Inle Lake. Other than the short walk to the viewpoint, another popular Kalaw trek is to Myint Mathi caves. This trek takes around 2 hours one way and gives a give a beautiful insight into the Shan State area. Walking through quiet pine forests and a tiny village is a great way to experience what’s around Kalaw.

 

The best hotel in Kalaw

When I caught an overnight bus from Yangon, my partner and I were let off at 330am. Not even major cities have open places to sleep or at least see out the early morning hours. Luckily, we had found an amazing place to stay in Kalaw that offered 3 am check in and let us stay in the room for free. Of course, you have to have the next night booked, but staying in a hotel for free is unheard of.

Mya Sabai Inn is fantastic. Friendly staff who were waiting to unlock the gate at 330 am. The bed was extremely comfy (even the next night when I wasn’t overtired), the room was clean and spacious the shower was hot. Personally, with all them three boxes ticked, and the generous check-in policy, Mya Sabai Inn will always be a great recommendation for where to sleep in Kalaw. This family-run inn was welcoming and a perfect fit for us.

 

Getting to Kalaw

As I mentioned, I took an overnight bus from Yangon, Myanmar. There is a day option, but I prefer to travel at night to save time and usually the cost of accommodation. This bus is said to take anywhere from 9-13 hours, and the roads are quite windy.

Are full of twists and turns. You do gain quite a bit of elevation during the bus ride, and you could definitely feel it with all the switchbacks. The bus had large comfy seats, and they even gave you a blanket and toiletry set for the dinner stop! We did abruptly wake up to a few slams on the brakes and loud horn blasts which were a wee bit of a reminder that it’s not always smooth sailing. I usually take melatonin and/or some other sleep aid to make sure I get a few hours to sleep at least.

As is fairly common in Myanmar, travel times aren’t too accurate and our 7 am arrival time changed to 330am when we were woken up and told this was our stop.

Buses to Kalaw depart from Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan.

Word to the wise: waking up unexpectedly and having to hurry off a bus can be disorienting, but always make sure to check you have at least your necessary belongings! I have left many valuable items on overnight buses (my phone in Kosovo, Eastern Europe always comes to mind!), once you leave, it won’t be easy to get anything returned to you.

If you’re not up for the always interesting experience, there are other ways to get to Kalaw.

Flying to Kalaw

Heho is Kalaw’s local airport and can be reached from many major cities. the town of Kalaw itself is around 1 hour by taxi, and there should be no issue hailing one from the front of the airport.

Train to Kalaw

Trains run to Kalaw from Yangon train station. Once at Kalaw train station, it is a very short and easy walk into town. No more than 500 meters will see you in quiet downtown Kalaw.

 

Where to eat in Kalaw

There aren’t too many restaurants in Kalaw. So I will recommend the two places to eat in Kalaw I tried and loved! But despite this, wherever you go to eat they always provide an abundance of unexpected food as little side dishes! I like this cultural aspect of Myanmar.

 

Sprouting Seeds

This is a local vegetarian shop great for a filling lunch. It’s a very short walk from the centre of town, so it’s in an even more quiet location. This is a great option for veggie/vegan diets, as there is plenty to choose from!
If you’re unsure of what dish to try, their tamarind tofu is amazing!

Also, keep your eyes out for this cute kitten (might have grown a little by the time you visit) but he was super affectionate.
On top of the delicious food – and incredible freshly made bread! What makes Sprouting Seeds even better is they are a social enterprise that helps train and educates locals about sustainable building, help with schools and the vulnerable communities. So, essentially, you’re helping Kalaw and the residents by eating here!

 

Thu Maung Resturant

This restaurant is a short walk out of the centre of the town, but well worth the 10-15minute walk. This is an extremely cheap and fulfilling option of dinner in Kalaw. Their menu is huge, full of local specialities and everything I ate here was scrumptious.
After ordering only one plate each, my group of three were given more plates of complementary food than we could eat. I counted at least 20 by the time we were finished. These included plates consisted of soup, nuts and fruit. Tea and coffee were also included as cost-free. All up, a tasty and extremely affordable meal in Kalaw.

You know you’re in a great spot when there’s plenty of local families eating in the restaurant!

 

What to see in Kalaw

There are two main temples in Kalaw, one even doubles as a great view overlooking the quiet town surrounded by green rolling hills.

 

Thien Taung Paya Temple and Monastery

Not far from the centre of Kalaw (pretty much just a stone’s throw from Ever Smile Trekking Company) is a long stairway leading up to Thein Taung Monastery. As you walk under the corrugated tin shelters and gain elevation, the view of Kalaw gets better and better.
Inside the Monastery, itself is commonly a place for pilgrims to rest for a while, before continuing on their journey. It is also home to a Buddha statue made from bamboo.
At the top, we heard monks chanting as their slippers and sandals were lined up at the doorway of one of the main buildings. In the flat “courtyard” area, plenty of dogs were running around playing together.

 

Aung Chan Tha Zedi Stupa

This glistening stupa is right in the heart of downtown Kalaw. There’s not too much else to see but stroll around this mirrored-mosaic stupa painted bright gold. It is a unique attraction of Kalaw and is a short but worthwhile visit.

As we walked around the stupa, we practised recognizing the animal statues representing each day of the week as we had learned about in Yangon (Rangoon) earlier that week.

 

Kalaw Market

In the heart of this hilly town is the market of Kalaw. Ranging in wares from backpacks to umbrellas, and socks to fruit. You can track down many basic items you need here, especially if you’re about to go on a 3-day trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake. This market is aimed at the daily life of locals.

My suggestion, if there’s a more expensive item here, I advise paying a little bit more. A good travel buddy I trekked from Kalaw with bought a cheaper bag and raincoat. The backpack ripped within an hour of walking, and the monsoon rain caused the inside, crudely sewn pockets of the rain jacket to actually stain his shirt underneath. Pay a little more for quality if you’re relying on these items.

If you’re looking for unique souvenirs, just off the main street, on Min Street, is the fair trade shop. As the name suggests, it pays a decent income to the artists submitting work for purchase. It is also committed to community development in the rural areas of the state.

I brought 5 little pouches for a couple of dollars and was a great gift for family and friends back home while supporting a great cause for the area of Kalaw and surrounding villages.

Staying in Kalaw is often kept at a single night, or even just a few hours as most travellers begin the 3-day trek to Inle Lake. But, if you have the time, Kalaw has much more to offer those who stick around a little while longer!

Further Myanmar Reading

If you’re after other amazing Myanmar stories and places to visit, here are some of my favourite from Myanmar:

• Red Mountain Estate Winery; Inle Lake’s best wine tasting!
• Bagan; 2,000 temples stupas and pagodas waiting to be explored
• Mount Popa; Day trip from Bagan, visit Taung Kalat Monastery

 

Have you visited Kalaw? What did you think of this small, quiet town? I’d love to hear what you thought, and let me know if you have any questions relating to Kalaw trekking, or in general about this beautiful Myanmar town.

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Happy and safe travels,
Ben from Horizon Unknown